Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, has died at the age of 46.
Nicknamed “the Hitman,” Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, becoming a household name during his glittering 15-year professional career.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed his body was discovered at his home in Hyde, Tameside, on Sunday morning, September 14, 2025. Officers were called at 6:45 a.m., and while investigations are ongoing, the death is not currently being treated as suspicious.
Hatton won 45 of his 48 fights, earning memorable victories over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before high-profile defeats against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. His thrilling style, resilience, and down-to-earth personality inspired an army of devoted fans who travelled across the globe to support him, including more than 30,000 who famously descended on Las Vegas for his 2007 clash with Mayweather.
Tributes have since poured in from across the sporting world.
- Former Manchester United star David Beckham called him “one of a kind… just heartbreaking.”
- Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”
- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described him as a “true champion” and “part of the Man City family.”
Ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby, City fans honoured Hatton with applause, cheers, and chants of “there’s only one Ricky Hatton.”
Beyond the ring, Hatton openly battled with depression and spoke candidly about his mental health struggles in recent years. His journey was chronicled in the 2023 documentary “Hatton.”
In July 2025, he announced a comeback bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai, scheduled for December, though questions remained over whether the fight would be fully sanctioned.
Hatton last fought professionally in 2012, losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester, and later shared an exhibition match with his former rival-turned-friend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
Remembered as the “people’s champion” who fought with heart and soul, Hatton’s legacy will endure as one of Britain’s most charismatic and fearless fighters.
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